The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a practical wired headphone for a desk, audio interface or music setup. Its attraction is the combination of closed earcups, a folding frame and three detachable cables. It does not require charging, pairing or an app, and it can move between compatible analog sources with little setup.
The ordinary ATH-M50x reviewed here is the passive wired model. The M50xBT2 adds wireless electronics, while the M50xSTS line adds a boom microphone. Those differences matter more than the many cosmetic editions of the standard M50x.
Sound
- 45 mm dynamic drivers
- Closed-back
- 38 Ω impedance
The M50x is useful when you need to hear recorded material without placing speakers in the room. Its closed design is also more appropriate near an open microphone than an open-back headphone, although listening volume and microphone placement still matter. For editing, familiar reference material is more useful than assuming that a studio label guarantees an entirely neutral presentation.
RTINGS found generally balanced midrange and treble, with bass delivery changing more noticeably as the fit and seal changed.1 That makes a consistent fit worth establishing before judging bass levels. Glasses, hair and earcup position can alter what reaches the ear; a result from one placement should not become the sole basis for an important mix decision.
A quiet room is still valuable. The closed cups provide passive separation, but they are not an ANC system for suppressing steady travel noise. Buyers seeking one headphone primarily for flights or a loud commute should consider that different requirement before choosing a studio model.
Design and Comfort
- 285 g without cable and connector
- Folding frame
- 90° swiveling earcups
The folding hinges make the M50x easier to pack than a rigid full-size headphone. The included pouch keeps loose accessories together, though it is not a hard protective case. At a desk, choose the cable that gives enough movement without leaving an unnecessary coil across the working area.
The earcups can rotate for one-ear monitoring, which is useful when checking a recording while listening to the room. Fit remains personal: allow time to assess pressure and the seal with your usual glasses. Replace worn pads with care, since changing the pad shape or material can also change the acoustic fit.
Connectivity
- 3.5 mm analog
- 6.3 mm adapter
- Three included cables
The short straight cable suits a nearby laptop or portable source, while the longer straight and coiled cables serve a desk or audio interface. A phone without a headphone jack needs a compatible audio adapter. The M50x itself has no USB audio conversion, wireless mode or battery to manage.
The supplied cables carry listening audio and do not provide a microphone or call controls. For meetings or gaming chat, budget for a separate microphone. A detachable cable is also a maintenance advantage: cable damage need not turn an otherwise working headphone into a repair project, provided the replacement matches the locking connector.
Alternatives
The original ATH-M50 is the direct predecessor. Audio-Technica described the M50x as retaining its sonic signature while adding refined pads and detachable cables. The cable system is therefore a clearer reason to prefer the M50x for a new purchase than an assumed generational improvement in sound.
For listening in a quiet private room, the open-back Sennheiser HD 560S is a relevant alternative. It changes the room-use tradeoff: it lets outside sound in and leaks more sound out. Choose between those designs according to the environment before comparing a deal on a special M50x finish.
Verdict
The ATH-M50x remains a useful wired all-rounder when closed cups and cable flexibility solve the actual task. Buy a finish at a sensible price, establish a consistent fit and keep a separate microphone in mind if needed. Its simplicity is valuable for a working desk; a noisy commute calls for different priorities.